Obedience is not in the word “yes”, but in the action of “yes” (even if we initially say “no”).
While this truth is so obvious, it’s worth pointing out because we so often only go as far as saying “yes” in our hearts without following through on it in action.
“‘But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go work today in the vineyard.’ And he answered, ‘I will not’; but afterward he regretted it and went. The man came to the second and said the same thing; and he answered, ‘I will, sir’; but he did not go. ‘Which of the two did the will of his father?’” Matthew 21:28-31
I wonder how often we say our “yes” but then allow the enemy to intimidate us or our own flesh to simply procrastinate and avoid an assignment. How often do we ‘bench’ ourselves and simply watch the game from the sidelines when we have a position to play on the field?
“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” James 4:17 ESV
May we call this what it is: sin. May we confess and repent and “bear fruit in keeping with repentance” (Luke 3:8).
May we daily, in the Word and prayer, “fan into flame the gift of God” which is in us and remind ourselves that “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:6, 7). The bold confidence we need comes from time in His Word and time in His Presence, in prayer and worship, and listening to His voice (as His sheep hear and know His voice – John 10), resulting in an increase in FAITH and thus in obedient action.
“On the day I called, You answered me;
You made me bold with strength in my soul.” Psalm 138:3
God will meet us with His power as we DO ‘yes’ in answer to His request.
Listening section:
– Search your heart and allow God to remind you of a place where you feel like you are walking in obedience because your heart said yes, but you have failed to take any action on that “yes”.
– Where have you said “I will not” when the Lord has asked you to act? Delay no longer. Today may be His perfect timing.
– Where have you said “yes” but have not taken action?
Do “yes”.
“…but the people who know their God will display strength and take action.” Daniel 11:32b
Friends,
I hope that you are having a great summer. We are about to take our boys to Chattanooga to Precept Ministries for their Transform Student Boot Camp (you can click those two links for more information). This summer they will be studying the book of Judges. What a timely study as the times were described as “everyone did what was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25)! Precept Ministries offers three one-week camps every summer for students to study and fall in love with the Word of God! May we all do the same with our time this summer!
Let me know if there is any way I can help you or pray for you. If you would like to receive these devotionals directly into your inbox you can let me know by clicking here.
With love,
Traci
